Toy



Sept. -12, 1939.

B. HAMBLET TOY 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 17, 1958 Se t. 12, 1939.

B. HA'MBLET TOY Filed Nov. 1'7, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. BYARD HAMBLET ATTORNEY.

Patented Sept. 12, 1939 A UNITED STATES "PATENT OFFICE 9 Claims.

My present invention relates generally to amusement devices of the figure type, and is more especially related to a novel method of, and

means for, producing figures and objects by using patterns of parts of the figure or object to be reproduced and effecting their jointure in such a manner as to provide a highly entertaining simulation of motion.

One of the main objects of my invention is to provide an improved type of figure doll which is capable of simulating motion of the body section and/or leg section without the use of rigidly connected joints between the sections.

Another important object of my invention is to provide a cut-out toy comprising at least two relatively movable sections; one of the sections comprising means for balancing it for rocking motion upon a portion of the other section.

Still other objects of my invention are to improve jointed cut-out figures whose component parts are sold as patterns in book form, and more particularly to provide devices of this type which have a greater resemblance to life, increased durability and facility of manipulation while not complicating the process of manufacture or increasing the cost thereof.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will present themselves as the description proneeds. The invention itself, both as to its construction and mode of use, will best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the drawings in which I have indicated several constructions whereby my invention may be carried into effect.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 illustrates a side elevation of a toy figure, in this case an ostrich, produced in accordance with my invention,

Fig. 2 is an end view of the toy,

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the pattern of that part of the toy figure which functions as the leg and the body support,

Fig. 4 is a fragment of the body section of the toy figure, showing the details of the construction thereof, with the support section removed,

Fig. 5 is a partial section taken along line 5 of Fig. 2, looking in the .direction of the arrows, showing the body section in stable, or nonrocking, position,

Fig. 6 is a view similar to that of Fig, 5,the body and support being fully shown, illustrating the body in forwardly rocking, or unstable, position,

Fig. 7 is an end view similar to Fig. 1, but showing the support section adjusted to seat the body se ti r 1 Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view of the body and support sections of a modified form of the invention, n

Fig. 9 illustrates, in fragmentary form, still another modification of the invention;

' Referring now to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals in the different figures designate similar constructional elements, there is shown in Fig. l a toy doll, or figure, made up of but two component parts. One of these parts is designed to resemble the body of an ostrich, and the numeral I will be understood as generally denoting a body section. The numeral 2 designates the support, or leg, section of the figure. As shown inFig. 2 the section 2 is formed from a single sheet of material, thin cardboard is assumed for illustration, which is bent inwardly upon itself to provide duplicate representations of a pair of legs. The pattern, in Fig. 3, may take the shape shown; the face of the substantially I-shaped strip which is viewed by the observer is provided with mirror image representations of the legs of an ostrich. The opposite ends of the strip may be, if desired, widened so as to provide bases 4 and. 5. When the figure is inoperative position, as shownin Fig. 2, these bases render the structure stable. Of course, the wing ends of the base may be omitted where desired. The mid-section of the strip is provided with three spaced parallel lines, either printed or scored or biased, to indicate the fold lines.

By folding along lines 6 and 8, as well as along line I, the support 2 can bemade to assume the substantially M shaped position shown in Fig. 2. It will be observed that the fold lines 6, l, 8 provide the central notch of the M which in this case is small; the numeral 9 in Fig. 2 designates thisnotch of the support. In order to permit the body section to rock freely on a fulcrum element, V-shaped recesses lil and H are provided between the fold lines 6 and 8. The apices of the recesses l and H are in alignment along fold line'l. The'construction of the body section will now be considered with special reference to Fig. 4. On either side of a vertical median line through the body section there is provided one or more pointed projections which act as fulcrums for rocking the body section.

For example, numerals I2 and i3 denote a pair of spaced, downwardly directed,pointed fulcrum elements. The space [4 between these elements is concave, and is sufficiently wide to permit the body section to assume the position shown in Fig. when the figure is in stable position. In other words, and as shown clearly in Fig. 5, the spacing between the inner edges of the fulcrum elements, adjacent the apices" thereof, is wider than the length of fold line I of the notch v9 of the support 2. At the same time the curvature of the concave recess I4 is suflicient to permit substantial rocking of the body section when the latteris placed oneither of the fulcrums. Additional concave recesses I 5 and 16 are provided adjacent the outer edges of fulcrum elements l2 and I3. These recesses |5|6 should be sufficiently deep to permit a wide arc of rocking motion of the body section upon positioning either of the fulcrum elements in the V-shaped notch of the support 2. The relative dimensioning of the concave recesses |5-|4|6 may be as shown in Fig. 4. However, it should be clearly understood that the specific dimensions and de.-.

signs employed will fundamentally depend on the nature of the figure and the angular distance to be covered during rocking motion.

In Fig. 5 there is shown the manner of positioning the body section on the V-shaped notch 9, along fold line I, to secure a stable or nonrocking state. It will be noted that the center of gravity of the body section is located below a horizontal line through fulcrum elements l2 and I3 so that the body section will not be top heavy when in position shown in Fig. 5. The essential thing is to have the body section in equilibrium when in non-rocking state. Fig. 6 illustrates the appearance of the figure upon positioning the apex of a fulcrum element, say l2, in the V-shaped notch 9 of support 2. The body section is unbalanced, and can be rocked to and fro as indicated by the dotted lines and the arrows. Balancing the body section on fulcrum 2 causes the head I to bend downwardly; in other words the center of gravity of the body section is located along a line running vertically between fulcrum elements |2|3. Hence when the body section is positioned on fulcrum l3, the head I is lifted upwardly and thebody section can be rocked back and forth from that position. It will now be seen that the recesses I0 and II cooperate with the concave recesses M, Sand IE to permit a wide angular distance of rocking motion. This can be readily seen from Fig. 6. Due to the recess in notch 9 adjacent the concave recess l4 the head of the body section can be moved. downwardly until the approaching leading edge of fulcrum l2 almost contacts the fold line 1; as the head I is moved upwardly the motion can continue through a considerable angular distance by virtue of the opposite recess of notch 9 and the deep curvature of recess l5;

The figure can be made to assume additional positions. For example, and'referring to Fig. 4, by providing the divergent slits I1 and I8 in the body section, the body section can be adjusted toappear seated, or to appear to be kneeling. In Fig. '7 is shown the seating position. To secure this position, the V-shaped notch ofsupport 2' is slid intothe slit IT. The width of the slit is preferably of the same order of thickness as the material of notch 9 at fold line 1-. In the seated position of Fig. '7 the pair of support legs will'be, of course, sufficiently separated to permit a stable position for the figure. By shifting the notch 9 into position. in slit |8 the figure is given the appearance of having its legs pointing rearwardly, and appears to be resting on its abdomen.

Various other ludicrous and entertaining positions can be secured with slits I! and I8. For example, if the figure is lifted into position to rest on the bases 4but keeping the notch 9 in slit ll, then the bird will appear to be pecking at the ground. On the other hand, if the notch 9 is shifted into slit I8 and the figure erected on the support section the bird will seem to be gazing upwardly. Due to the point contacts between the sharp fulcrum apices and the fold line 1 of the V-shaped notch 9 the body section Willbe so delicately balanced that slight breezes will cause rocking motion thereof, and thus give an animated appearance to the figure. This is also true of the erect positions of the figure, when the fold line of notch 9 is shifted intocontact with slits l1 and I8, since the fold line 1 makes a line contact with the edges of a slit.

To set up a figure, the user presses the body and s pport patterns out of the page of the cut-out book. These, of course, have been previously stamped into readily-removable state. In addi- 10 tion, the portion of body section material providing the various recesses |5|4-| 6, slits |'|-|8 and fulcrums |2|3, is pushed out. Where desired to have a more positive locking action between the slits |'||3 and the notch 9, the slits 15 may be previously prepared by knife die-cutting so that, in such case, the knock-out portion will only provide the recesses |5-|4|6 and fulcrum elements |2-|3. Slits ||-|8 will lead into the common central opening. This specially designed shape has, also, been previously provided by the stamping process. The pattern for the support, as shown in Fig. 3, is now folded upon itself to provide the notch 9. One of the bases 4 or 5 may be slipped with ease into the central 25 opening common to the recesses and slits, by folding over one of the ends of a base and then sliding the base in that condition through a slit. The entire leg follows until the notch 9 is located in the slit, and the support is now ready for use. Of course, where the wing ends are not used on a leg base, a leg is easily slid through the central body opening. It is to be understood that the figures may be provided on one face thereof with the desired ornamentation, while the opposite face can be left blank so that a child may be able to color in the necessary design features.

In Fig. 8 is shown a modified form of construction wherein no provision is made for rocking motion. Only the details of the jointure are shown to preserve simplicity of disclosure. The body portion 20 is provided with a narrow, rectangular slot 2|, while the support 22 has a V-shaped notch 23. The notch has noinwardly directed recesses similar to recesses I0 and H in Fig. 3. To use this type of figure, one of the support members is slid through slot 2|. Due to the line contact between the upper edge of slot 2| and the line of intersection of the convergent faces of notch 23, the body section will be free to rock sidewise to a limited extent. As many of these slots and supports can be provided for a single body section as is desired; for example, two slots and two supports will providethe front and rear legs of an animal. Of course, slits 55 similar to slits I! and I8 in Fig. 4 can be provided in this modification to permit adjustment of the leg sections. In such case the slits will lead away from the slot 2| at any desired angle.

Fig. 9 illustrates a modification wherein the 0 body section 30, simply shown, has a form of fulcrum construction different from. that of Fig. 4. Here notches 3|, 32, 33 are provided to enable the upper edges thereof to be used as fulcrums upon which to rock the body section 30. Thus numeral 34 denotes a sharply pointed fulcrum point. Numeral 35 designates a secondsuch fulcrum point spaced from point 34 by a substantiallysemicircular recess 36 which permits a wide arc of rocking motion. The notches 3| and 32 are on opposite ends of the recess 36, and .are in alignment. The point 31 provides athird fulcrum point. Of course as many notches, similar to notch 3|, as is desired may be employedaround the periphery of the arcuate recess to provide a,

plurality of rocking points. The rearwardly directed slit ill is provided to lead away from the central opening in the body section.

The support section 4| is constructed exactly as in the case of Fig. 3, with the exception that the V-shaped apex 42 will have front and rear recesses 43 which are not as pronounced as in the case of Fig. 3. To use this form of the invention, the fold line of the notch 42 will be slipped into any of the notches 3|, 32 or 33 so that rocking on fulcrum points 34, 35 and 3'! respectively may be had. When the fulcrum point 3d rests in the notch 42, the recess 36 and recess is will permit a wide arc of rocking motion.

The patterns of the different parts employed in the assembly of a toy figure may be outlined on a sheet of paper, cardboard or other similar material. The patterns may be cut from the sheet and then put together, it being clear that a plurality of sheets can be bound together and marked in such condition. Preferably, the patterns are provided on the sheets in stamped form so that children can readily remove them by mere pressure on the knock-out areas. Those skilled in the art of manufacturing cut-outs are fully aware of this mode of providing easily removable patterns. Of course, the cut patterns can be sold ready for assembly; also, the complete figures may be supplied to the trade. Again, the various patterns comprising desired figures may be stamped from flexible metal, such as sheet tin, and the parts assembled. Furthermore, two unlike materials can be used for producing a particular representation. For example, the body section can be made of Wood, while the support may be fabricated out of a flexible metal. Where the support and body sections are made of a metallic material, such as tin, it will be advisable to provide a slit in the body section leading from the external edge to the central opening so that the V-shaped notch can readily be slid into the central opening from outside the body section.

It is to be clearly understood that in addition to articulated representations of human and animal figures, objects having movable structural elements may be reproduced. In such cases the simulation achieved is highly entertaining to children, and can be used for educational purposes as well. The toy figures can be reproduced in miniature or in full size, if desired. The specific illustrations disclosed above are not to be construed in any sense as a limitation on the scope of my invention, which, as will appear clearly, is capable of taking other forms both in structure and in avenues of use, and of being otherwise utilized within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A toy figure comprising, in combination, a body section provided with an opening, a support section consisting of a pair of spaced elements of like configuration, a V-shaped joint provided at the junction of a common pair of ends of said elements, and said joint being located at said opening whereby said body section is supported solely and freely at said joint.

2. A toy figure comprising, in combination, a body section provided with an opening, a support section consisting of a pair of spaced elements of like configuration, a V-shaped joint provided at the junction of a common pair of ends of said elements, said body being provided with at least one fulcrum element projecting into said opening for causing said body section to rock when said fulcrum rests on said joint.

3. A toy figure comprising, in combination, a body section provided with an opening, a support section consisting of a pair of spaced elements of like configuration, a V-shaped joint provided at the junction of a common pair of ends of said elements, and said joint being located at said opening whereby said body section is supported solely and freely at said joint, a pair of spaced fulcrums projecting from said body into said opening, and said body being adapted to rock on either one of the fulcrums upon positioning a fulcrum in the said joint.

4. A toy figure comprising a pair of sections, one of said sections being provided with an opening in the body thereof, said opening having a fulcrum element projecting therein, said other section comprising a pair of divergent vertical support elements having a common junction, and said fulcrum element being adapted to be positioned at said junction to secure rocking motion of said one section about said fulcrum.

5. An animated toy figure comprising a body section having an opening provided with at least one slit leading away therefrom, a support section comprising a strip of material folded into two elements, the fold line of said strip being positioned in said opening, said fold line being adapted to be slid into said slit.

6. An animated toy figure comprising a body section having an opening provided with at least one slit leading away therefrom, a support section comprising a strip of material folded into two elements, the fold line of said strip being positioned in said opening, said fold line being adapted to be slid into said slit, said opening being additionally provided with a fulcrum element projecting from the body, said fulcrum being adapted for positioning on said fold line to rock said body section.

'7. In a toy figure, a body section provided with an opening located at the center of gravity thereof, said body having a pair of spaced fulcrum elements projecting into said opening, a support section comprising a pair of similar elements located on either side of the body section, said support elements having a common junction located at said opening and having means to receive either of said fulcrum elements to unbalance said body section.

8. In a toy figure, a body section provided with an opening located at the center of gravity thereof, said body having a pair of spaced fulcrum elements projecting into said opening, a support section comprising a pair of similar elements located on either side of the body section, said support elements having a common junction located at said opening and having means to receive either of said fulcrum elements to unbalance said body section, said body section having at least one slit leading away from said opening whereby said junction means can be slid into said slit thereby to adjust said support section.

9. A toy figure comprising, in combination, a

body section provided with an opening, a support section therefor consisting of a strip of sheet material having a mid-section which is folded to provide a pair of diverging members whose common end has a substantially V-shaped notch, and said notch being located in said opening whereby said body section is supported by said diverging members at said notch.

BYARD HAMBLE'I'. 

